Stotfold 2 Knobs 3

The Vets recorded their third league win of the season in their first league match of the season in a hard fought, and at times fractious match against Stotfold.

Shocked to be playing on a proper pitch with dug outs and seating Knebworth were forced to defend in the opening exchanges, but the reshaped back 4, with Vinny moving to left back, held firm. With the ball, Knebworth looked strong, Sergio and Jono looked dangerous with good support from Paul and Darren.

Against the run of play Knebworth took the lead with a great pass from someone finding Jono who declined the opportunity to round the wide keeper and slotted home from the edge of the box - much to Wayne's, James' and Jono's surprise who thought the keeper had tipped it wide.

Knebworth survived the loss of Vinny who fell awkwardly on his shoulder twice, and Martyn came on at left back. Knebworth then went 2 up following some great work from Darren and Paul - this released Sergio who continued his good form with his first goal of the match.

Stotfold then forced their way back into the match, with a break down the right wing and a deep cross that was volleyed home. It got worse for Knebworth, poor marking from a free kick allowed a free header and the Stotfold equaliser. Disappointing to give some soft goals when we had just cleared 3 off the line.

2 each at half time. The managers Darren and James looked at the stats and came to the conclusion that a like for like substitution was needed so Greg replaced his brother Dave.

The second half was a bit scrappy, but with fitness a relative concept, Knebworth looked much stronger as time went on. In the 75th minute some good work from Martyn and Greg released Sergio who beat 3 players, surged at the goal and calmly mis kicked it through the keepers legs.

The back 4 defended well, kept Tony C out of trouble to see Knebworth home for their 9th point of the season.

Great all round effort from everyone - this was a tough fixture but everyone (apart from Woody!) committed to the challenge and victory was deserved.

White sliced sandwiches for 6 of us after the game led to calls for healthier alternatives after home games from Greg. The managers are considering this request, but have pointed out to Greg that his BMI and general fitness is determined by the other 6 days and 20 meals in his week.

Knobs 3 Saints 4

A casual performance from the Vets led to defeat. We began much more brightly than last week, goals were assembled with minimum fuss, the only hiccup was Gerry forgetting the balls. Unfortunately shambolic Saints arrived with only 8 players and the match was downgraded to a friendly (league points to Knebworth we assume).  Big thanks to Darren Bedford who accepted the late invitation to join the fixture for Saints and to Gerry and Sergio for doing the same.

After an impressive victory last week perhaps we thought this would be an easy win again, especially after James hand/shouldered in a corner in the early minutes to give Knebworth the lead. There was plenty of possession for Knebworth as the ball was passed around well. But Sergio, angered by his demotion to the bench and then onto Saints had a point to prove and put himself about like a Saints veteran. Sergio levelled the score after turning past the defence - his delight in proving a point to the management was tempered when he realised he had turned past Vinny and not under pressure joint, deputy assistant helper joint manager James.

Knebworth continued to dominate possession but found themselves 2 - 1 down at half time after a shot found its was past Tony from close range. A few expletives followed from the big stopper, but obviously he remains a legend.

Under pressure joint deputy assistant joint manager helper james called Chairman Al for a vote of confidence at half time. The vote of confidence was offered by Al in exchange for a return to the side next week in a free role behind the front 2.  A few tactical changes were made at half time with the newly signed full back Rob moved from right midfield to left midfield, woody moved to midfield and captain for the day paul (play me up front or I am taking my ball home) Matthews, moved up front. This tactical masterstroke appeared to be working as woody equalised after a cross from Rob. Knebworth then proceeded to dominate again, but missed chances and lacked the killer touch. The final ball as drifted across the Saints penalty on numerous occasions.

A great run from Rob saw Knebworth take the lead, and again maybe we relaxed too much because Sergio was still trying to kick Bully, Gerry was angry as we've ever seen him and Darren had a variety of Knebworth forwards in his left pocket. Saints were not in the mood for giving up and equalised with a once in an 8 aside season shot, and then sealed victory with a great strike past Tony as Knebworth were caught on the break from an attacking corner. 

Disappointingly result - if we had defended better, crossed it better, finished better and not given them 3 players a victory would have been ours.

More selection headaches await management duo laurel and hardy with a squad containing 8 centre backs, 9 centre midfielders, 14 centre forwards one keeper and 2 full backs. Thanks to angry Brendan Walkden, Chairman Al and Martyn Brown for stepping down from the squad with good grace. We had 17 players available, Saints had 8, and we lost. Darren "hardy" Aldrich, chief joint, supremo manager has woved never to give the opposition our 3 best players again.

Great start with the whistle from Gavin, you wonder why he ever tried to play, he was that good. Look forward to those brown shorts  gracing the theatre of dreams for many more matches.

For the record, 3 points a clean sheet for Tony

Knobs 7 Walkern 1

With 21 originally declaring themselves available for selection the managers had a tough task deciding who would play where and how to give everyone a game. However with 3 late dropouts and a retirement from football we had a squad of 17 ready for action.

The 30 minute reconstruction of the goals warmed the players up tremendously.  Who needs time with a ball before a match?

Pre-season had clearly gone well as the starting 11 were immediately on the front foot giving Walkern little time on the ball and creating chance after chance.

There were too many shots, goals and assists to describe, suffice to say it was little surprise that Walkern’s players were begging the ref to end the game early.

Wayne’s debut for the team was a positive as were goals for the returning Woody and Sergio.  Last season’s top scorer Dave M already leads this season with 2.

Joint manager James gave us a glimpse of what is to come by ensuring he was the only player to get a full 90 minutes.